EPL: Sarri reveals what happened to David Luiz under Conte

Chelsea manager, Maurizio Sarri, has admitted he has been surprised by the ability of David Luiz and says the defender was left “confused” by his lack of game time under his predecessor, Antonio Conte.

Luiz had been an integral figure in the Blues’ title-winning season in Conte’s first year, but made just four appearances in the first half of 2018 as a result of injury and a rumoured rift with the Italian.

However, the Brazil defender has featured in all seven Premier League games in this campaign for Chelsea, who remain unbeaten and third on the table.

“Two seasons ago, he was a protagonist.

“Then six months ago, he was not playing, so he was a little confused.

“He’s direct. If he has to say something to the manager, he has to talk to me. I like very much direct people.

“When I arrived here, immediately I had the feeling he’s a very good player for my way of football because he’s a centre-back who is very technical.

“Then I appreciate his qualities as a man. He’s really better than I thought before,” Sarri told SkySports.